1953 California 4AD

[stocktonpeets]

Finally got a chance to do some work. I ordered brake fluid, lines, and rebuild kits for the brake master cylinder and the wheel cylinders from Kip Motors. The fan I ordered off Amazon. If anyone was curious, it’s a 41” circumference and 5/8” wide. I used this one:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0126MW9T4?re ... b_ap_share

It was a tight fit. Not sure if it’s usually supposed to be that tight but I wanted to avoid damaging the belt so I took the dynamo off its bracket in order to slip the belt on easier.

The brakes are another topic. So far all I’ve managed to accomplish is to remove the reservoir. The cap absolutely refuses to come off so I may have to think about making a new reservoir. Time will tell, it’s soaking in acetone right now.

[stocktonpeets]

I ended up ordering a new reservoir. Got it installed and rebuilt the wheel cylinders and master cylinder. Took it out for the first real drive.

[mikeyr]

Congratulations

[Peter McKercher]

Congrats Avery. I wonder if your Grandfather belonged to the original Singer Owners Club. It was in full swing between 1952 and 1956. Things tapered off soon after with the lack of parts as well as some members being drafted.

[stocktonpeets]

He may have been. His member number was 25 if I’m not mistaken.

[stocktonpeets]

I finally got around to breaking down the carburetor. I took it to school and machined the mating surfaces just enough to clean them up. A little bead blasting cleaned up the outside of the parts pretty well. When I got home to reassemble I realized I had ordered the wrong rebuild kit. I have the Solex 30 FAI but I can’t find gasket kits anywhere. Kip motors said they’re planning on offering them sometime soon but nothing yet. Does anyone happen to have a template for the gaskets? The originals were pretty brittle and most fell apart as I disassembled the carburetor so I can’t confidently use them as a reference. I’m also confused about those thicker looking gaskets. They almost look like spacers with how thick they are. Do I need to replace them when I put it all back together?

Also, I need to get some tires. Not sure how old these are but they can’t be any newer than late 90’s. Looks like the full size tires are 6.00-16 and the spare is 5.00-16. Are there any preferred sources other than universaltire.com? Mine are bias ply but I’m leaning towards radials. Any input is appreciated.

[tvdwerf]

Try Ebay Uk, I have got my rebuild kit there. At the moment at least one gasket is on the site when you search for 30FAI

[mikeyr]

The 6” tires will not fit in the trunk. Original size is 5”

My carb gasket template has gotten wet a few times but still works. I didn’t even know that carb kits were still available. I made that template back in the late 1970s and still use it. I make a xerox and cut out a pattern to trace onto gasket material

[Peter McKercher]

What's a xerox, Mike?

[mikeyr]

A copy on a copy machine so I don’t damage my original

[stocktonpeets]

Thanks for the replies. I ordered a spare carb on eBay for parts. I’ll see if I can make a template and upload as a pdf for others to use.